A study of residences near Boston's Logan International Airport found that jet engine exhaust significantly raises ultrafine particle concentrations both outdoors and indoors, with levels roughly 1.7 times higher when winds blow from the airport's direction. Researchers monitored 16 homes located 4–6 km from the airport and confirmed that aviation-related particles penetrate inside residences, posing potential health risks to nearby communities. While focused on Logan Airport, the authors note these findings are likely applicable to other major airports, including those in dense urban areas.Open full document
Notes
This study investigates outdoor and indoor ultrafine particle number concentrations (PNC) at 16 residences near Logan International Airport in the greater Boston area. Results show that during winds from the direction of the airport, PNC were significantly elevated both outdoors and indoors, with a median 1.7-fold increase during impact-sector winds compared to other winds. The study provides evidence that aviation-related outdoor PNC infiltrate indoors, resulting in significantly higher residential exposures.